2021 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide, Virginie Boone

With 4% Sémillon, this bi-county white impresses in grapefruit, pea shoot and peach, with a hint of candied ginger on the back of the palate. Consistent acidity refreshes and adds complexity and refinement to the proceedings, with just a hint of oak. 94 points (December 2022)

Jamessuckling.com, James Suckling

Aromas of dried pineapple, peach and green apple follow through to a full body with tangy fruit and phenolic tension, with candied lemon and floral undertones. Ginger. A denser and richer sauvignon on the center palate and goes long at the finish. Drink or hold. 94 points (February 14, 2023)

JebDunnuck.com, Jeb Dunnuck

Always beautiful, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is another great vintage for this white. Medium-bodied and racy, yet also ripe, it has a great perfume of grapefruit and white flowers, with a kiss of background minerality. It’s impeccably made, and while I like this in its youth, it ages nicely for upwards of a decade if you’re so inclined. 93 points (February 16, 2023)

Wine Spectator, MaryAnn Worobiec

This is complex, highly detailed and aromatic, but also shows a sense of elegance and poise. Offers lanolin, beeswax and lemon curd notes that mingle with dried mango, apricot and spices. Reveals lime zest, passionfruit and white pepper accents that linger on the long, expressive finish, with a fresh thread of acidity. Drink now. 93 points (February 2023)

Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwinski

Sourced from eight different sites in Napa and Sonoma (it’s labeled Napa County 43%, Sonoma County 57%), Spottswoode’s 2021 Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel barrels (50%), used French oak (25%), new French oak (20%) and other vessels (5%). The result is a complex, textural wine that’s plump on the palate, round and silky, yet also bright, fresh, vibrant and long, with layers of fig and melon fruit that gradually unfold in the glass. I’ve been deliberately conservative with respect to its aging potential, but it’s worth pointing out that a 2012 tasted at the winery was still drinking exceptionally well. 93 points (September 15, 2022)

Vinous, Antonio Galloni

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is a very pretty and distinctive wine. Citrus peel, mint, white flowers, sage and tomato leaf lend quite a bit of character. The 2021 was aged in a combination of steel, new oak, neutral oak and concrete eggs. 93 points (February 16, 2023)

Wine.com, Wilfred Wong

The Spottswoode Sauvignon Blancs have always found a special place on my palate. The 2021 vintage is, once again, at the top of its class. This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried herbs, ripe melon, and lemon peel. Pair it with a bowl of steamed clams in light garlic, jalapeno, and black peppercorn broth. 93 points (June 9, 2022)

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